Problems in the Coral Triangle

The spectacular landscapes and natural riches of the Coral Triangle are under threat. Overfishing, climate change, unsustainable tourism, habitat destruction, poor governance are some of the threats that are affecting marine diversity and the livelihoods of people who depend on it.

Problems

These problems are already happening and will worsen if suitable actions are not taken. Below, learn about what WWF is doing to address some of the major issues that are threatening the Coral Triangle's biodiversity.

Climate Change

Scientific studies show that without sufficient action on climate change, coral reefs in the Coral Triangle will disappear by 2100, the ability of the region’s coastal environments to feed people will decline by 80%, and the livelihoods of around 100 million people will have been lost or severely impacted.

Overfishing / Illegal fishing

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of a range of factors that is putting fish stocks in the Coral Triangle and Pacific region at risk. Several million tonnes of fish are taken by IUU fishing each year in the Asia-Pacific, representing a significant portion of the total catch from the Pacific Ocean.

Unsustainable Tourism

Unsustainable tourism, often in the form of mass tourism, can negatively impact the Coral Triangle's delicate balance in many ways: pressure on nature's carrying capacity, exploitative development of coastal areas, "leakage" of benefits away from local populations, cultural and social degradation, higher costs to service tourists, and direct environmental damage.

Habitat degradation

The coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds that are home to the Coral Triangle's biodiversity are considerably threatened by direct human impacts (e.g. pollution). The consequences of climate change, such as the warming and the acidification of the ocean, could make things even worse, for both wildlife and the communities that depend directly on healthy ecosystems.

Irresponsible Investments

Trade in the Coral Triangle hinges on the availability of funds provided by financial institutions to businesses small and large. Too often, these are provided without the appropriate screens or safeguards to ensure that businesses operate according to sound environmental and social principles.

Extractive Industries

When not properly managed, extractive industries such as oil and gas can generate hazardous pollution where they operate. Mine tailings (the residue from mining operations) can smother fragile ecosystems such as reefs, killing off marine wildlife and jeopardizing local people's ability to harvest from the sea for their livelihood.